Bassmaster Classic champ takes lead in Palatka event

PALATKA — Alabama native Randy Howell found the right spots to fish on the St. Johns River to take the first-day lead of the Bassmaster Elite event.

Howell, who won the 2014 Bassmaster Classic in his home state last month, weighed in five fish at a cumulative 27 pounds, 3 ounces on Thursday to take a 3-pound lead in the four-day event, which offers a winning prize of $100,000.

Howell, who won the $300,000 top prize in a Bassmasters event last month at Lake Guntersville in his home state, felt right at home in the St. Johns.

He credited his good day to successful decision-making while sight fishing on Lake George, one of the river system’s well-known bedding areas for largemouth bass.

“Late in the day in Florida, they always move up and I’m usually the guy who leaves at the wrong time. And somebody catches them after I leave. Today I made the decision to stay,’’ Howell said.

Howell’s largest bass was 7 pounds, 15 ounces; his smallest was 2-8.

South Carolina angler Davy Hite caught the biggest bass of the day at 10-2, and is tied for second with Texan Takahiro Moori. Both had five fish that weighed a cumulative 24-1.

A pair of Palatka anglers have plenty of work to do in the final three rounds. Terry Scroggins is in 44th place with a cumulative catch of 14-5. Cliff Prince (12-8) is in 58th.

Daily takeoff is 7:30 a.m. at Riverfront Park. Weigh-ins begin at 4 p.m., at the same location. Admission is free.